Environmental Groups Seek Review Of Proposed Pipeline

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Two environmental groups are asking Minnesota regulators to take another look at a proposed oil pipeline in the northern part of the state.

MPR News reports that the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy and Friends of the Headwaters filed a motion Monday with the Public Utilities Commission. They say Enbridge’s plans for replacing a thousand-mile pipeline that carries crude from Alberta across northern Minnesota are inconsistent.

Enbridge officials say the nearly 50-year-old Line 3 needs to be replaced with a new pipeline to maintain safety and reduce future maintenance needs. But a recent proposed settlement between Enbridge and the U.S. Department of Justice appears to allow the company to reuse the original Line 3, even after it builds the new pipeline.

The groups are asking Minnesota to re-evaluate the proposed pipeline and allow public comment on the project.